During the Meeker Classic this year we will be honoring and dedicating the Shepherd’s Memorial located at Ute Park. This project is the culmination of a year’s worth of work and fundraising. Catalyzed by the passing of our dear friend Emil Luedecke, several entities came together to create a permanent memorial that will pay tribute to the many handlers that have left their mark on the Meeker Classic.
Metal artist, Tyler Penley of Loveland, Colorado created the silhouette
This memorial features a life-size silhouette of a shepherd and his dog mounted atop a native boulder from the area. Tyler Penley, Loveland Colorado – metal artist and son of handler Nancy Penley created the silhouette. Tyler’s work features a rendering in steel taken from the well known photo of Emil and his dog Zac waiting for their run at the Texas Sheepdog Finals.
The dedication ceremony will take place at the Wilber Barn during the Art Reception on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 5:30 pm., but visitors are welcome to enjoy the memorial at any time. A form of public art, the Shepherd’s Memorial will provide a lasting tribute to the fallen Meeker Classic sheepdog handlers that symbolize so much of what the Meeker Classic is all about.
Meeker Classic Chairman, Regas Halandras and Tyler Penley ready the native boulder for the bronze plaques.
On June 15th, Meeker Classic Board members and volunteers erected the memorial and now it sits watch over the trial field and Ute Park. Located just west of the Meeker city limits, Ute Park provides access to walking and biking trails and is the site of the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials.
One of the bronze plaques features “The Final Run” written by Ellen Nieslanik and the images of Jim Swift and Maureen Robinson – two of our fallen handlers.
The second plaque lists the names of the honored handlers.
Two bronze plaques are mounted on the large rock. One is inscribed with the text of “The Final Run” and the second features the names of Meeker Classic handlers who have passed away. Currently there are 12 names, but the plan is to add names as need be. These handlers are from across the United States and Canada and over the years have contributed to the heritage of the Meeker Classic through their support, presence and competition at the trials.
The idea of a public art initiative paying tribute to sheepdog handlers originated at the passing of noted Texas sheepdog handler, Emil Luedecke. Inducted into the American Border Collie Hall of Fame, Emil was well known and regarded in and about Meeker and across the United States. Emil’s memory is the catalyst through which the community can pay tribute to fallen Meeker Classic handlers and the community’s character and cultural roots.
In using Emil Luedecke’s image as the figure upon this rock, he represents a fitting figure through which we can honor so many handlers and shepherds. It provides a commentary on our past, our traditions and our community while the image itself symbolizes a look to the future. This project involved the efforts and gifts of so many that felt a need to remember Emil and the many handlers that have left their mark on the Meeker Classic. Forever now will they watch upon the field at the Meeker Classic.
Bernie Gantt, Meeker Classic Volunteer and Tyler Penley set the silhouette on to the native rock.